Dogs in Australian Capital Territory, Australia: rules, tax and travel
In the ACT all pets must be microchipped and registered, and cats born since 1 July 2022 must be kept on the owner's premises at all times.
The ACT is a single territory government, so these rules apply across Canberra, with extra cat containment suburbs for older cats.
The national rules for Australia apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
All dogs must be registered and details updated each year at no cost. The fee schedule from 1 July 2025 lists dog registration at $64.25, or $24.20 for a pension or benefit holder.[1]
typical 64.25 AUD, 24.2 to 64.25 AUD one-off
Microchipping is compulsory for all pets in the ACT.[1]
Other rules
The fee schedule lists a permit of $497.20 to keep a cat or dog that has not been desexed.[2]
Domestic Animal Services investigates dangerous dog reports and attacks; report on 13 22 81.[3]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Licence or owner test, Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.